'Dhagad Saamba' is headlined by Sampoornesh Babu, the Burning Star of Telugu cinema. Directed by NR Reddy, the entertainer is produced by Praveena Creations. Ahead of the film's theatrical release on May 20, cinematographer Mujeer Malik has spoken about the movie that has Sonakshi as the female lead.
Prominent singer Mano is my 'Bava'. He is the sole reason why I entered the film industry. After I watched the 1993 Telugu drama 'Matrudevobhava', I expressed the wish to work under cinematographer Chota K Naidu. My 'Bava' got me in touch with him. By then, four others were working under the cinematographer. But since he liked my agility and sincerity, he asked me to continue to work under him. I was associated with Chota K Naidu till 'Adhurs' in 2009. During my stint with Chota K Naidu, I got to work as an assistant cameraman on Chiranjeevi's movies.
'Yuva Rajyam', directed by 'Gudumba Shankar' fame Veera Shankar, was my first film as a cinematographer. 'Mera Bharath Mahan' and 'Goli Soda' followed. After 'Kobbari Matta', 'Dhagad Saamba' is my second outing with actor Sampoornesh Babu. I have also done a Tamil movie and two Kannada projects.
After working on the movies starring the likes of Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Allu Arjun, Venkatesh and Jr NTR, I debuted as a cinematographer. I have also done Ad films. A prime reason I couldn't land opportunities with big stars as the director of photography is because of an 8-year-gap in my career. 'Mana Kurrallu' got delayed by five years. It didn't fetch me the recognition I so deserved. 'Kobbati Matta' changed things for me.
This is the first time that Sampoo has done a mass action movie. Besides comedy and sentiment, he can pull off mass and action scenes as well. I am confident that 'Dhagad Saamba' will become the best movie of his career. The film offers entertainment non-stop for 150 minutes.
'Brilliant Babu S/O Tenali' and 'Dana Veera Soora Karna' are my upcoming movies. The Directors Association has shortlisted a film project to be directed by a newcomer. I have been roped in as its cinematographer.
